Cruz was initially seeking $11 million annually. He's dropped his price tag some, but the Giants have yet to meet the $9 million-per-season price. Per the NY Daily News, the club's latest offer is worth an average of more than $8 million a year. Beat writer Ralph Vacchiano does acknowledge Cruz "seems unlikely" to hold out of camp after signing his one-year, $2.879 million tender.

Redskins using Phillip Thomas at SS

06-14-2013

Phillip Thomas S WAS

The Redskins are using fourth-round pick Phillip Thomas at strong safety in spring practices.

DBs coach Raheem Morris expects his safeties to all be interchangeable, but for now Thomas is penciled in behind SS Brandon Meriweather and fifth-round pick Bacarri Rambo is competing with DeJon Gomes among others at free safety. Morris considers Thomas a "natural box player" and better run defender than Rambo. The Redskins also envision Thomas as a superior blitzer.

Bears out of the mix for Israel Idonije

06-14-2013

Israel Idonije DE NYG

The Chicago Tribune believes the Bears are out of the hunt to re-sign free agent DT Israel Idonije.

The Bears had a standing offer to Idonije at one point, but he didn't accept it and they moved forward with Sedrick Ellis. Idonije visited the Titans in late April. Otherwise, his free-agent market has been quite cool.

Wilson led the NFL in kickoff return yardage last season, but will likely be removed from special teams this year because he's going to be the Giants' feature back. Jernigan could save his roster spot by earning the full-time kick return role. The 2011 third-rounder has been an ineffective NFL receiver.

Practicing at X and slot receiver, Pettis needs the big practices with Tavon Austin, Jared Cook, and Stedman Bailey joining the pass-catching corps. "He's probably having the best camp of all the skill players," OC Brian Schottenheimer said. "He's just a tireless worker. Very competitive. ... He's having a tremendous spring." Pettis is competing with Brian Quick for a starting job.

Richardson is a work in progress as an inside runner, but the Rams love getting his sub-4.5 speed on the edge. "We have to get the ball to him in the passing game more," said Fisher. "We were spreading it out, but we weren't necessarily going to the backs as much as we would've liked. Any time we can get Daryl the ball in space, it's going to put added pressure on the other team." Richardson projects as a 5-12 touch-per-game back in 2013.

Chad Rinehart expected to stat at left guard

06-14-2013

Chad Rinehart OT SD

Chad Rinehart is expected to be the Chargers' starting left guard this season.

A former third-round flameout in Washington, Rinehart is now on his third NFL team. From left to right, San Diego's O-Line is expected to read LT Max Starks, LG Rinehart, C Nick Hardwick, RG Jeromey Clary, and RT D.J. Fluker. The rag-tag unit is the primary reason it's hard to love Chargers in fantasy this year.

New coach Marc Trestman and QBs coach Matt Cavanaugh want Cutler to get rid of the ball quicker, and "kept a verbal running clock" every time he dropped back to pass. Cutler has taken 148 sacks over the past four seasons. "Protecting the quarterback isn't just the line's responsibility, or the protectors, it's the quarterback's responsibility too," Cavanaugh explained. "He can't hold onto the ball forever. We've stressed that we want the ball out."

James Brown working with 1st-team offense

06-14-2013

James Brown T CHI

Bears second-year OL James Brown lined up as the team's starting right guard throughout OTAs.

It's a position that will ultimately go to first-round pick Kyle Long, but Brown's presence with the first team suggests he's still at least in the starting conversation. Coach Marc Trestman described Brown as an "ascending" player. Perhaps when Long locks up right guard, Brown will push LG Matt Slauson.

Texans training camp starts on July 26. On the 17th, Cushing will fly to Pensacola (FL) to meet with Dr. James Andrews. Cushing has no doubt he'll get the go-ahead. "I'm basically doing everything I could be doing right now," he said. "I feel great and very confident heading into camp."

Kendrell Bell and Casey Hampton both started as rookies on Pittsburgh's 2001 defense. Jarvis Jones is trying to end the 11-year drought by beating out Jason Worilds for James Harrison's old right outside linebacker role. "He's showing us things," LBs coach Keith Butler said of Jones. "And if he keeps showing those things he's going to be a big part of (the defense), hopefully."

Nate Potter practicing at right tackle

06-14-2013

Nate Potter T ARZ

Cardinals second-year OL Nate Potter has played "extensively" at right tackle during OTA practices.

The Cardinals prefer current RT Bobby Massie at guard and appear to be creating a competition. A 2012 seventh-round pick, Potter is a long, lean (6'5/295) lineman capable of putting heat on Massie and/or kicking to guard in a pinch.

Byrd drew Larry Fitzgerald comparisons at minicamp last year, but went on to appear in just four games and catch one pass. "Not really, to be honest," Arians said when asked if Byrd has continued to make strides. "He had a couple nice catches that were unbelievable throws. He's too inconsistent right now. He has talent and a good future, but he's got to get more consistent."

30 years old next month, Winslow by all accounts impressed at his tryout at Jets minicamp and couldn't have picked a better landing spot for playing-time opportunities. Current starter Jeff Cumberland is a lumbering, stiff upright tight end and No. 2 TE Hayden Smith is a converted rugby player. There's a real chance Winslow will wind up starting for the Jets, although we wouldn't expect much of a fantasy impact. Purely a possession receiver at this point in his career, Winslow appeared in one game in 2012, catching one pass for 12 yards. He is a shell of the seam-stretcher and vertical threat he once was.

Chiefs make DL roster moves

06-14-2013

Austen Lane DE CHI

Chiefs claimed DE Austen Lane off waivers from the Jaguars and released DT Daniel Muir.

Colts move Robert Mathis to 'rush' linebacker

06-14-2013

Robert Mathis DE IND

The Colts have moved Robert Mathis to "rush" linebacker in their 3-4 defense, where he'll now rush from the weak side.

Despite modest size (6'2/245), Mathis has been a strong-side defender throughout his career. As the primary rush 'backer, Mathis will now square off with opposing left tackles and have to deal with fewer "chip" blocks from backs and tight ends. The position change could supplement Mathis' sack total because he'll do less edge setting in the run game. Erik Walden and rookie Bjoern Werner are now competing to start on the strong side.

We've anticipated the same; Bradshaw is an upgrade on Ballard in pretty much every area, from pass protection to big-play run skills. The Indy Star does concede Bradshaw may open training camp on the active/PUP list as the Colts manage his recovery from foot surgery. He hasn't practiced with the team yet. Due to Bradshaw's injury history, the Colts could wind up keeping four running backs on the 53-man roster. Bradshaw and Ballard are locked in, and rookie Kerwynn Williams is expected to be Indianapolis' primary kickoff returner. Donald Brown and Delone Carter will compete for one roster spot.

Vilma, Lofton practicing as starting ILBs

06-14-2013

Jonathan Vilma LB NO

Jonathan Vilma and Curtis Lofton worked as the Saints' starting inside linebackers throughout OTAs and minicamp.

Vilma is playing the weak-inside position, while Lofton is the strong-side inside linebacker or "Mike." David Hawthorne doesn't appear to be pushing Vilma, who is superior in terms of both range and coverage. Lofton led the Saints in tackles (123) last season and figures to do so again this year.

With his RFA tender signed, failing to show at least 30 days before the September 5 NFL opener would cost Cruz a year of credit. And he'd be a restricted free agent again next offseason. ESPN's Ed Werder reported on NFL Live Friday that long-term extension talks between the Giants and Cruz will resume next week. We fully anticipate Cruz will report by August 6, if not before.

Falcons sign Robert Alford to 4-year deal

06-14-2013

Robert Alford CB ATL

Falcons signed second-round CB Robert Alford to a four-year contract.

The 60th pick in the draft, Alford is considered raw coming out of SE Louisiana, but he possesses blinding speed and explosive all-around athleticism. It'll be interesting to see whether he pushes for rookie-year snaps. Currently, the Falcons have penciled in Desmond Trufant and Asante Samuel at outside corner. Robert McClain was a revelation at slot cornerback last season.

Brandon Graham practicing behind Barwin

06-14-2013

Brandon Graham DE PHI

Eagles OLB Brandon Graham practiced as the second-team left outside linebacker behind Connor Barwin for most of the spring.

The LOLB in new coordinator Bill Davis' defense is a "Joker" type role with the player moving all around the formation pre-snap to disguise defensive intentions. It's a bit of an odd job for Graham, who is a ferocious pass rusher but does little else well. At this point, Graham isn't looking like a Week 1 starter.

30-year-old Giordano was a 13-game starter in Oakland last year, primarily playing free safety after Michael Huff was forced to play cornerback. Giordano graded out as Pro Football Focus' No. 69 safety among 88 qualifiers. On the bright side, PFF did like Giordano better than incumbent Craig Dahl (78th). In St. Louis, Giordano will push Darian Stewart to start at free safety.

Lacy is reportedly looking good in pre-training camp practices, but the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel suspects the Packers want Lacy to play his rookie season at a lighter weight. RBs coach Alex Van Pelt doesn't seem worried about Lacy's fitness, saying he "showed his ability at that weight to have great feet and speed." Van Pelt went so far as to compare Lacy to Steven Jackson.

Michael Jenkins, special teamer Kamar Aiken, and UDFA Thompkins have reportedly been the "primary outside receivers," working ahead of Aaron Dobson, Josh Boyce, and Donald Jones. Thompkins went undrafted due to production and character concerns, although he's turned his life around and is a prospect to monitor. This isn't the first time we've heard he's looked good in practice.

Gardner was a popular UDFA out of Sierra College with plus measurables and a junior college All-American background, but he's now been let go by two teams since April's draft. The Dolphins believe Joe Hastings has more upside.

"Not only did he grow, he kind of became the bellcow," said Gilbride. "He was first in line and ... that was not what we saw last year, not by a long shot. So to see him grow like that was a great step forward." Gilbride is promising Randle "significant" playing time even when Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz both reenter the mix. Randle has serious breakout potential this season.

There's no mention of Adam Hayward. Watson is an interesting candidate because he was such a good blitzer at Florida State, and the Bucs will be able to blitz a lot more with Darrelle Revis in the secondary. Casillas still might be a superior option based on experience and cover skills at SAM 'backer.

Dolphins sign rookie G/T Dallas Thomas

06-14-2013

Dallas Thomas T MIA

Dolphins signed third-round G/T Dallas Thomas to a four-year contract.

Recovering from significant shoulder surgery, Thomas did little at OTAs and will be behind the eight ball when training camp starts. If fully healed, Thomas could still make a run at a starting job. The Dolphins' offensive line is a team weakness and at least one of the guard positions will be up for grabs.

As the Miami Herald writes, there's "no mystery" about the Dolphins' tailback depth chart. Lamar Miller is locked in as the first-teamer, with Thomas No. 2 and rookie Mike Gillislee attempting to hold off longer-shot competitors like Jonas Gray for the third-string job. Gillislee could make a move on Thomas in training camp, but Thomas won't be making a move on Miller.

Panthers may start undrafted rookie at safety

06-14-2013

Robert Lester S CAR

Panthers undrafted rookie SS Robert Lester has received some first-team reps at spring practices.

ESPN NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas says it's "obvious" the Panthers are "very high" on Lester, and he's squarely in the mix to start opposite FS Charles Godfrey. Lester's change-of-direction and straight-line speed were both major concerns at Alabama, but he is big (6-foot-1, 220) and can make plays on the ball.

Manuel is the last of Buffalo's draft picks to sign and agreed to the deal following the completion of the Bills' mandatory three-day minicamp. USA Today's Mike Garafolo reports the contract is worth roughly $9 million over four years, which is slightly higher than last year's slot value for the No. 16 pick. Manuel has been working as the second-team quarterback in Bills OTAs, but will be given every opportunity to start as a rookie.

Bell was the focal point of Detroit's no-huddle offense last year, but his role remains up in the air after the Lions signed Reggie Bush. "Joique has had an outstanding offseason," coach Jim Schwartz said. "He made the most of his opportunity last year and he's not letting go. We will have plenty of touches in our offense for a lot of different running backs."

Patriots could lock up Ninkovich before camp

06-14-2013

Rob Ninkovich LB NE

ESPN Boston considers DE Rob Ninkovich a candidate for a long-term extension.

Ninkovich is in the final season of a two-year, $4 million extension. The Patriots currently have $8.32 million cap space, so he could be signed to a multi-year deal before training camp. Ninkovich had five forced fumbles and led New England with eight sacks in 2012. Brandon Spikes and Ryan Wendell are also set to become free agents following the season

Raiders RT Barnes working with first-team

06-14-2013

Khalif Barnes T OAK

Raiders RT Khalif Barnes received the majority of minicamp reps with the first-team offense.

Barnes started nine games in 2012, but struggled to play above replacement level. With second-round Menelik Watson likely to open the season as the starting right tackle, the San Francisco Chronicle expects Barnes to be moved to guard.

A source with knowledge of the situation tells Profootballtalk that Victor Cruz could still hold out of training camp despite agreeing to sign his one-year, $2.879 million restricted free agent tender Friday.

Cruz is under contract, so he'll be subject to $30,000 per day in fines if he doesn't report to camp. He made the decision to sign his RFA tender now, rather than risk the Giants rescinding his one-year offer to the veteran minimum of $630,000. Per USA Today's Mike Garafolo, the sides "aren't any closer" on a long-term deal.

Herzlich to open camp at middle linebacker

06-14-2013

Mark Herzlich LB NYG

Mark Herzlich will open training camp as the Giants' starting middle linebacker.

Herzlich lined up with the first-team defense during OTAs and minicamp. He remains the favorite to start, with Dan Connor likely to see playing time in sub-packages. "He has been very commanding," DC Perry Fewell said. "He's taken a leadership role out there and I think he has some respect from his teammates. Obviously, we want to find out what happens when the pads come on."

With Captain Munnerlyn sidelined, Thomas has been the No. 2 corner behind Josh Norman. The Panthers have done very little to improve their secondary this offseason. Free agent pickup Drayton Florence is expected to see significant playing time in sub-packages.

Polumbus 'likely' to start at right tackle

06-14-2013

Tyler Polumbus T WAS

The Washington Examiner confirms Tyler Polumbus is the favorite for the Redskins' the starting right tackle job.

Elam has impressed during the Ravens' mandatory three-day minicamp and is fully expected to start as a rookie. "He's tough, he's fast, he gets football," secondary coach Teryl Austin said "I think he is going to be a fine player for us soon."

Trent Cole's role with the Eagles 'TBD'

06-14-2013

Trent Cole DE IND

PhillyMag.com reports that Trent Cole's role with the Eagles is "still to be determined."

Cole has been working with the first-team defense at outside linebacker during OTAs, but hasn't been used exclusively in that role and will also see playing time at defensive end in four-man fronts. The Eagles are also asking Brandon Graham to convert to linebacker, likely as a backup to Connor Barwin.

Canty says knee injury is no longer a concern

06-14-2013

Chris Canty DT BAL

Ravens DE Chris Canty said Friday that his surgically-repaired knee is finally healthy.

Canty has reportedly looked "explosive" during minicamp and his knee injury no longer appears to be a concern. A defensive tackle with the Giants last season, Canty missed the first six games of 2012 and was diagnosed with a sprained MCL in December.

Roethlisberger has been throwing to receivers on the practice field and said that he "could play Sunday" if it were the regular season. He continues to progress ahead of schedule after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery last week. Roethlisberger remains on track to be 100 percent for training camp.

The Browns expressed some interest in signing Leach, but Owen Marecic will remain the only fullback on the active roster. Leach was released by the Ravens on Tuesday and has drawn interest from as many as five teams.

Kyle Wilson working as nickel corner in OTAs

06-14-2013

Kyle Wilson CB NYJ

Kyle Wilson has been working mostly as the Jets' nickel corner during offseason workouts.

Wilson held his own while taking over for Darrelle Revis last season, but will be challenged by first-round pick Dee Milliner for the No. 2 spot behind Antonio Cromartie. After making 13 starts on the outside in 2012, Wilson is expected to return to slot duties.

Delmas (knees) expected to be ready for camp

06-14-2013

Louis Delmas S MIA

Lions coach Jim Schwartz said he expects Louis Delmas (knees) to be ready for training camp.

Delmas missed the entire offseason program and still isn't 100 percent after an August knee procedure limited to eight games in 2012. Even when healthy, the Lions plan to give him scheduled days off as a preventive measure

Limited to special teams his first four seasons, Palmer is competing with Travis Lewis and Tahir Whitehead for a starting role. He remains the slight favorite based on his experience, but Lewis has been working with first-team defense during OTAs the last three weeks.

Williams had knee surgery last season, so the Lions want to make sure he's healthy before potentially bringing him back on a one-year deal. He made just five starts in 2012. If signed, Williams will return as defensive tackle depth.

Broyles is just six months removed from ACL surgery, but has convinced the Lions that he's already ready for full team drills. Despite not being 100 percent, he doesn't expect to open training camp on the PUP list next month. If Broyles can avoid setbacks, he should compete with Nate Burleson for a starting job and provide an upgrade for a Lions offense that failed to address the receiver position behind Calvin Johnson.

Childs has been sprinting and cutting since last month and caught passes in front of reporters following Tuesday's OTA practice. Just 10 months removed from his second major knee surgery the Vikings will continue to exercise caution, but an early-August return hasn't been ruled out. "I'm waiting on our medical staff to give us the green light," coach Leslie Frazier said. "We'll see what happens. I'm not sure what direction it will go."

Allen missed the start of OTAs due to a family obligation, and still isn't 100 percent after he had surgery to repair a torn labrum in the offseason. He remains on track to be healthy for training camp.

Hasting was waived by the 49ers earlier this month and hasn't appeared in the NFL since 2011. The third-year undrafted free agent isn't a candidate for the 53-man roster, but adds special teams depth and has practice squad eligibility.